Leiter Operations (m/w/d) – International & Strategisch

Hire Resolve is assisting petrochemical organisations in hiring experienced petrochemical professionals to support refinery, chemical, and downstream manufacturing operations across Germany. This is a multi-role opportunity covering several functions within the sector, including plant operations, process and project engineering, reliability and maintenance, HSE and process safety, quality and laboratory functions, supply chain, and commercial/technical services. These roles are designed for mid- to senior-level professionals and provide a clear pathway toward senior leadership positions such as Operations/Production Manager, Engineering Manager, Reliability Lead, HSE/Process Safety Manager, and broader site leadership roles.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient plant operations across continuous and batch processes, utilities, and supporting units


• Drive process optimisation, debottlenecking, yield improvement, energy efficiency, and cost reduction initiatives


• Support or lead capital projects from scope definition through execution, commissioning, and handover


• Maintain robust technical documentation and change control (P&IDs, SOPs, operating envelopes, MOC)


• Strengthen asset reliability through preventive/predictive maintenance strategies, RCA, shutdown/turnaround planning, and integrity programmes


• Ensure compliance with German occupational safety requirements and site HSE management systems, including major hazard controls where applicable


• Lead and participate in risk assessments (HAZOP/LOPA), incident investigations, and corrective action closure


• Manage contractors and safe systems of work (Permit-to-Work, isolations/LOTO, method statements and risk assessments)


• Monitor and improve KPIs across safety, production, quality, reliability, and budget performance


• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Laboratory, Supply Chain, and external vendors to deliver site objectives


• Support internal and external audits and inspections; implement continuous improvement programmes


• Coach and develop teams through training, competency development, and leadership support

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Instrumentation Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline (a Master’s degree is advantageous for some roles)


• Typically 7–15+ years of experience in petrochemicals, refining, specialty chemicals, polymers, industrial gases, or comparable process manufacturing environments


• Demonstrated experience in one or more functional tracks: operations leadership, process engineering, reliability/maintenance, rotating equipment, HSE/process safety, projects, quality/laboratory, or commercial/technical support


• Working knowledge of high-hazard safety and process safety expectations (risk assessments, contractor management, management of change, Permit-to-Work systems; alignment with German and EU regulatory requirements where applicable)


• Familiarity with common plant systems and tools such as CMMS/EAM (e.g., SAP/Maximo), process historians (e.g., PI System), and standard engineering documentation practices


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives


• Willingness to work onsite in an industrial environment; some roles may involve on-call rotation, shift coverage, or travel depending on site needs

Benefits

• Private Health Insurance


• Pension Plan


• Paid Time Off


• Training & Development